EU Statement – UN General Assembly: High-Level Meeting on Non-communicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-Being

EU Statement - UN General Assembly: High-Level Meeting on Non-communicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-Being

25 September 2025, New York - Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-Being

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Chair,

Despite progress in the fight against non-communicable diseases, they still represent a substantial burden for citizens, health systems, and our societies.

Tackling non-communicable diseases remains a top public health priority.

The numbers are alarming.

Non-communicable diseases killed at least 43 million people in 2021, equivalent to 75% of non-pandemic-related deaths globally.

In the same year, 18 million people died from an non-communicable disease before age 70 years; 82% of these premature deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Therefore, much work remains to meet the sustainable development goals we have set concerning non-communicable diseases.

I would like to congratulate Luxembourg and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for their stewardship in this process.

The Political Declaration as negotiated contains many useful elements which can make an indelible contribution to this effort and, as a matter of process, we support its adoption and transmission to the General Assembly.

The EU and its Member States are committed to take action that effectively tackles non-communicable diseases.

Action in this field has to be comprehensive, addressing common risk factors, underlying determinants, and the impact of economic, commercial and market factors.

It also has to take into account new research and practice in the field of culture, sport and physical activity. This proves that the arts and culture have positive outcomes in non-communicable disease prevention, treatment and management.

Both culture and sport foster mental health and well-being at the individual level, for children, young people, for every generation. By contributing to social cohesion and combatting loneliness.

As we scale up our efforts to achieve these goals, we believe action at the local and community levels should best focus on:

- Health-promotion, prevention, early detection and screening;

- Strengthening primary healthcare and the workforce; and

- Enhancing access to health products and services, as appropriate.

As to the 'how', we are convinced that success hinges on a 'health in all policies' approach, on adapting to domestic contexts and circumstances, and on maximising the support of all relevant stakeholders through promotion, voluntary collaboration, and participation by the whole of society.

Emerging tools, such as AI and digital forms of assistive technology, can also play a crucial role.

Successfully tackling non-communicable diseases and mental health will not only improve the health of citizens but will also alleviate strained health budgets and will create a healthier, more productive and resilient society.

While the primary responsibility to meet health challenges rests with national governments, where appropriate, international cooperation can complement national action.

The challenge of non-communicable diseases also requires efficient international regulatory framework, including rules on intellectual property, with technology transfer on voluntary and on mutually agreed terms that support breakthrough innovation.

The WHO, all relevant UN bodies and global health actors should work together to address this challenge, focusing on their core mandates, avoiding duplication and ensuring synergies.

From our side, the EU and its Member States reaffirm their support and commitment to tackling non-communicable diseases and mental health.

We will continue working with partners to progress this work.

Thank you.